The LACMA Art+Film gala is known for its dazzling display of stars, but this year, it felt different – heavier, more poignant. While the red carpet was ablaze with fashion statements from A-listers like Elle Fanning, Lorde, and Tessa Thompson, the true heart of the evening lay in honoring the remarkable achievements of filmmaker Ryan Coogler and visual artist Mary Corse.
Let's dive into the glamorous attendees: Elle Fanning stunned in baby blue, while Kaia Gerber brought her iconic mother, Cindy Crawford. Lorde graced the event with her presence, and Angela Bassett shimmered in Gucci. Cynthia Erivo, Samara Weaving, Benito Skinner, Tessa Thompson, Emma Roberts, and Paris Hilton all contributed to the dazzling array of fashion. But here's where it gets controversial... were the outfits truly groundbreaking, or just predictably stylish? Did anyone really push the boundaries of red-carpet fashion?
The 2025 fundraiser culminated in a performance by the ever-enigmatic Doja Cat. But the emotional high point was undoubtedly Ryan Coogler's acceptance speech, presented to him by Angela Bassett. Coogler's tribute to his late friend, social justice activist Michael Latt, who tragically lost his life during a home break-in in 2023, was deeply moving. Latt, the son of Sundance Institute's Feature Film Program founding director Michelle Satter and producer David Latt, was remembered by Coogler as someone "changing the world."
Coogler also shared a personal anecdote about his journey into screenwriting. Interestingly, he never considered himself an artist initially. "I never thought of myself as an artist. I was a football player before anything," he revealed, explaining that he was encouraged to write screenplays while on a football scholarship at USC. He added that arriving in Los Angeles initially felt like his "weakest" and "lowest" point, as he missed his community in Oakland, California. But now, he considers Los Angeles a second home, a place where he's made lasting memories and friendships. And this is the part most people miss... Coogler's story highlights the unexpected paths that lead to artistic success and the importance of community in overcoming challenges.
The LACMA Art+Film gala, presented in partnership with Gucci and co-chaired by Leonardo DiCaprio and Eva Chow, plays a crucial role in supporting LACMA's mission. It aims to integrate film more prominently into the museum's curatorial programming and funds various initiatives, including exhibitions, acquisitions, educational programs, and screenings that explore the intersection of art and film. Essentially, they want to bridge the gap between visual art and the moving image, showing how they influence and inform each other.
Beyond the main event, the red carpet was a spectacle of its own. Here's a quick rundown of some notable looks:
- Angela Bassett shimmied in Gucci.
- Tessa Thompson sparkled in Gucci.
- Ashley Park embraced purple reign.
- Kerry Washington slayed.
- Elle Fanning was baby blue beautiful.
- Emma Roberts looked chic in a white mini.
- Lee Byung-hun and Park Chan-wook made a stylish arrival.
- Producer Lynette Howell Taylor let her hair down.
- Benito Skinner wore a pin that read, "Meet me in the men’s room." What statement was he trying to make?
- Billie Lourd put her best foot forward.
- Finneas donned an oversize tuxedo.
- Comedian Matt Friend posed for photographers.
- Justine Lupe stunned in red.
- Troye Sivan opted for a grey area.
- Influencer Dixie D’Amelio was sheer elegance.
- Quinta Brunson posed at Urban Light.
- Alix Earle made waves.
- Social media personality Jake Shane arrived.
- Queen Latifah graced the gala with her presence.
- Joel Edgerton suited up in Tom Ford for a date night with stylist Christine Centenera.
- Model Alex Consani stunned.
- Kaia Gerber and Cindy Crawford made it a family affair.
- Demi Moore had flower power.
- Jimmy Tatro and Zoey Deutch were a hot couple.
- Ryan Destiny never disappoints.
- Demi Lovato was in a blue mood.
- Luca Castellani sparkled.
- Hannah Einbinder was red-y.
- Kristen Wiig laced up.
- Damson Idris put a pin in it.
- Kim Petras was pretty in pink.
- Nnamdi Asomugha was all smiles.
- Salma Hayek went green in Gucci.
- Cynthia Erivo knew how to make an entrance.
- Zinzi Coogler and honoree Ryan Coogler arrived.
- Cristin Milioti posed for photographers.
- Tyriq Withers suited up.
- Lorde smized.
- Paris Hilton and Carter Reum made it a date night.
- Kathryn Hahn shouldered on.
- Samara Weaving was minty fresh.
- Laura Harrier was gorgeous in blue.
- Charlie Hunnam wore Gucci.
- Odessa A’zion kept it cool.
- Édgar Ramírez was a class act.
- Doja Cat had blonde ambition.
- Chris Perfetti tied one on.
- Variety's Marc Malkin arrived.
So, what's your take? Was this year's LACMA Art+Film gala more about the fashion or the heartfelt tributes? Did the event successfully bridge the gap between art and film, or is it just another celebrity-studded fundraiser? And, perhaps most importantly, did anyone's outfit truly deserve a spot in a museum? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
